Auburn’s Antoine Mason remains in New York with ailing father

Auburn coach Bruce Pearl said Friday senior guard Antoine Mason remains in New York, as his father — former NBA player Anthony Mason — remains in the hospital after suffering a heart attack earlier in the week.

“He left Wednesday morning, very early on Wednesday morning after the game Tuesday night,” Pearl said. “He’s in New York City now with his family, with his dad. It’s been a difficult time for Antoine and his family. We just have them in our prayers.”

Pearl added he wasn’t sure if Antoine Mason, who is the Tigers’ second-leading scorer (14.7 points per game), would play Saturday at Georgia. Auburn is 11-13 (3-8 SEC).

“It’s possible,” Pearl said. “But my advice to him is he’s got to be there for his mom and his family. If and when he’s able to get back he will. If not, then he won’t.

“We’ve been in touch every day, talking and texting, and done so with the team as well. His status as far as when he comes back is uncertain. We’ll take it day to day.”

Anthony Mason’s former agent, Don Cronson, told the New York Daily News he has been encouraged by the updates he has received on Mason’s status. The 48-year-old Mason played 13 seasons in the NBA and made the All-Star team in 2000-01.

“He had a good night, (Thursday) night. I was told about three hours ago by his son that he had a good night,” Cronson said. “There was another procedure (Thursday), but it wasn’t a big one. He’s had five operations, one of which was nine hours long.”

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